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Comm Week attendance is free. Registration is easy, kindly use the button below. You will be redirected to the registration portal.

 

    Event
    [What We Do]
    Where pacesetters come together

    This fast-paced academic symposium brings together leading innovators in the media, music, and film industries. Renowned journalists, entrepreneurs, content creators, influencers, scholars, and television and radio personalities will share their real-world knowledge and perspectives with participants who are mainly students. The purpose is to showcase the fundamentals of education in journalism, speech communication, media, radio/television/film, entertainment, and recording careers.

    Advanced Speakers

    Renowned journalists, entrepreneurs, content creators, scholars, and television and radio personalities

    Specialized Workshops

    Participants experience hands-on seminars and lectures from a real-world perspective

    Goals and Expectation

    Discover essentials concepts in speech comm., radio/television/film, entertainment, and recording careers.

    Learning Capacity

    Attendees walk away with tips and strategies to enhance workforce opportunities and readiness.

    MISSION
    [Our Mission]
    Welcome to the Greatest Gathering of All Times

    Welcome to the SOC learning tradition.  Every year, leading innovators in the media, music, and film industries gather to showcase the fundamentals of education in the world of the new communication and media.

    Schedule
    [Our Timetable]
    At What Time?

    Today, what started as a small conference has turned into the ultimate destination for industry people.

    ERIM & RTF
    Monday, April 8, 2024
    Career Ready/Career Fair
    Tuesday, April 9, 2024
    JOUR & RTF
    Wednesday, April 10, 2024
    Intercultural Conference
    Thursday, April 11, 2024
    RTF
    Friday, April 12, 2024
    9.00 am - 10.00 am
    Registration-Reception
    Location: MLK 104
    10.00 am - 10.15 am
    Opening Welcome from TSU Provost Dr. Carl Goodman
    Location: MLK 104
    10.20 am - 10.45 am
    Welcome Speech from The City of Houston by Honorable Mayor Pro-Tem
    Location: MLK 104
    Martha Castex-Tatum, City of Houston's Vice Mayor Pro-Tem.
    Breaking barriers, Martha started her public service journey as the first African American female on the San Marcos, TX city council, earning the role of Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem.
    11.00 am - 12.15 pm
    Modern Day Digital Distribution and Streaming…Real Life Numbers
    Location: MLK 104
    John Patillo, Chief Executive Officer at INDE
    Donald L. Fryson, Chief Executive Officer, Founder/CEO of 360 Entertainment International, LLC
    12.30 pm - 1.00 pm
    Lunch Break
    1.00 am - 1.50 pm
    New Age Marketing and How to Monetize Content Creation on Social Media
    Location: MLK 104
    Laronn Harris, Regional Promotions Director for Atlantic Records
    Donald L. Fryson, Chief Executive Officer, Founder/CEO of 360 Entertainment International, LLC
    2.00 pm - 2.50 pm
    Everything You Want To Know About The Music Business...Q&A Session
    Location: MLK 104
    Laronn Harris, Regional Promotions Director for Atlantic Records
    John Patillo, Chief Executive Officer at INDE
    Donald L. Fryson, Chief Executive Officer, Founder/CEO of 360 Entertainment International, LLC
    3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
    Lighting Workshop
    Location: MLK Studio
    Facilitator: Professor Vincent Powell, School of Communication, Radio/Television/Film Department
    6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
    Producer Workshop
    Location: MLK 129
    Facilitator: Professor Vincent Powell, School of Communication, Radio/Television/Film Department
    9.30 am - 10.00 am
    Career Power Hour with Dr. Nikki Duncan
    Location: MLK 104
    Dr. Nikki Duncan: Career Power House
    Director of Talent Acquisition and Development at the University of Houston, explores the importance of creating a resume' that will pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
    10.00 am - 12.00 pm
    Connect with Employers - SOC Student Career Fair
    Location: MLK Building, First Floor
    Facilitator: Clyde Duncan, Jr., PhD.
    Career fairs are excellent opportunities to connect with potential employers and expand your professional network.
    1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
    Editing Workshop with Clifford McBean
    Location: MLK 129
    Participants will learn about the role of an editor in shaping the narrative, pacing, and emotional impact of a documentary. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, the workshop will delve into various aspects of documentary editing.
    1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
    Photography with Andrew McCray
    Location: MLK 104
    Participants will learn: Basic Photography; Knowing your Camera; Art of Shooting; Angles and Framing; Different types of photograph; How your ISO, F-stop and shutter speed work together; Manual vs Automatic; Phone, I-Pad and Digital Camera, and many more.

    Following the photography training, SOC students will get free professional headshots taken by Andrew McCray.

    3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
    Videography Workshop
    Location: SOC TV Studio
    Session Facilitator: Professor Arthur Murray
    5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
    Writer's Room Workshop
    Location: MLK 104
    Session Facilitator: Prof. Vincent Powell
    Attendees will learn from world class writer Justin Williams to discover skills for character development, story, plot, and episodic storytelling.
    9.00 am - 9.50 am
    ken okere
    "Fact-Checking & Detecting Misinformation"
    Location: MLK 104
    Presenter: Dr. Ken Okere
    Participants will delve into the intricacies of misinformation in the digital age, learn the fundamental principles of fact-checking, explore practical methods for verifying information, and discover a range of tools to aid in the fact-checking process.
    10.00 am - 11.00 am
    The Black Press
    Location: MLK 104
    10.00 am - 10.30 am
    The Situation Room: Test of Journalistic Ethics and Moral Authority
    Location: MLK 104
    Presenter: Dr. Anthony Ogbo
    New Book Presentation
    After 42 years in the print media, a select few of his hard-hitting opinion pieces have become a treasure trove of journalistic excellence.
    11.00 am - 12.00 pm
    Landing Your Dream Career
    Location: MLK 104
    12.00 pm - 1.00 pm
    Breaking into Public Relations with Latashia DeVeaux
    Location: MLK 104
    Presenter: Latashia DeVeaux - Black Entertainement Television (BET)
    This presentation will highlight unique career pathways related to public relations and the entertainment industry. Attendees will learn about the experiences of a publicist who has dedicated over 20 years of her professional career to the fast paced world of entertainment.
    1.00 pm - 1.50 pm
    ted irving
    Presentation on the Fast PKG Story Telling Process
    Location: MLK 104
    Presenter: Ted Irving, HTV- Houston Television
    This entails using a cell phone, DSLR, or ENG Prosumer Camera to enable beginners & intermediates improve their storytelling skills using most vibrant techniques.
    2:00 pm - 2.50 pm
    The State of Diversity in Movies, Films and news, advertising, corporations and journalisms programs in 2024
    Location. Rm. 104
    Presenters: Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Ph.D.; Chris Ulasi, Ph.D.; Vera Hawkins, Ph.D.
    The role of media and journalism schools in shaping DEI narratives.
    3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
    arthur murray
    Journalism Interactive Workshop
    Location: SOC Studio and MLK 213
    Session Facilitator: Prof. Arthur Murray
    Kim Gagne, Former KHOU11 and Steve Harvey Show Producer
    Joy Sewing, Columnist, Houston Chronicle
    Butch Alsandor, Former KHOU11 Sports Anchor
    Nate Griffin, FOX26 Sports Anchor
    4.00 pm - 5.00 pm
    Investigative Reporting: Why Our Voices Matter and Why More Emerging Journalists of Color Need to be Prepared for the Field
    Location: MLK 104
    SOC’s Dr. Vera Hawkins will moderate a power panel which will include; Dr. Panelists: Dr. Robbie Morganfield, (Morehouse College, Executive Director) Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. Angel Covarrubia, (News Director for CW39 Houston) and Brandon Hamilton (Anchor/Reporter, ABC13 Houston).
    5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
    Producing Workshop
    Location: MLK 104
    Session Facilitator: Prof. Vincent Powell
    Attendees will learn about the ins and outs of commercial independent producing for agencies and major clients from TSU Alum John Bullock and Houston native Ebony Powell.
    9.00 am - 9.30 am
    University Greeting from Interim President Dr. Mary Sias
    TSU's Interim President, Dr. Mary Evans Sias will lead the day’s opening with a special message from the University.
    9.30 am - 10.45 am
    Keynote Speaker: Amplifying Diverse Voices in Media and Communication
    Location: MLK 104
    Kathleen McElroy, Ph.D., Journalist/Professor at the School of Journalism and Media at The University of Texas at Austin leads the day's opening session as the keynote speaker.
    10:00 am - 12.00 pm
    NBCU Academy's Next Level Summit (virtually in the SOC TV Studio)
    Location: SOC-TV Studio
    Interim Assistant Dean Serbino Sandifer-Walker
    The School of Communication will be one of the remote campuses. SOC students and its state-of-the-art studio will be featured on NBC's virtual platforms.
    11:00 am - 12.15 pm
    [Panel 1] Influence or Inform: Dissecting the Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion about Immigrant Communities
    Location: MLK 104
    Christian Ulasi, Ph.D.
    This paper explores the complex interplay between media representations and public perceptions of immigrant communities, seeking to unravel how narratives constructed by various media outlets contribute to shaping societal attitudes and opinions.
    11.00 am - 12.15 pm
    ashley norwood
    [Panel 1] The Art of Producing Compelling Radio Stories
    Location: MLK 104
    Ashley F.G. Norwood
    "The Art of Producing Compelling Radio Stories": How to find the story that amplifies diverse voices, research and news gathering, audio recording, script-writing and editing.
    11:00 am - 12.15 pm
    [Panel 1] Representation and Stereotypes in Media: Challenging the Norm
    Location: MLK 104
    Prof. Patrick Chukelu, JD
    To enhance the needed inclusiveness and representation in a climate where unprecedented state action is being deployed to erase decades of civil rights gain to bridge the racial divide and inequality.
    11:00 am - 12.15 pm
    [Panel 1] The Power of Representation: How Diverse Voices are Transforming Communication
    Location: MLK 104
    Rebekah Williams, MA.
    To highlight how diverse representation enhances creativity, innovation, and understanding in communication.
    12:00 pm - 2.00 pm
    Exploring the perspective of women entrepreneurs in emerging markets: Case Study: Lagos, Nigeria
    Deborah Adebisi Odeleye (Location: MLK 253 - 2nd Floor)
    Examines the distinct viewpoint of female entrepreneurs in developing nations
    12:00 pm - 3.00 pm
    shatora brown
    Vision Board Party
    Location: MLK 201 - Student Lounge
    Create a vision board filled with your deepest desires and aspirations. This is your chance to surround yourself with positivity and support while manifesting the life you've dreamed of.
    1:00 pm - 2.15 pm
    [Panel 2] The Impact of Demographic and Social Media Factors on Selected Crisis Management Situations in a Historically Black University Campus
    Location: MLK 104
    Agnes A. Monjok
    Examines the impact of types of social media and the perceptions of university students, regarding crises situations in university campuses.
    1:00 pm - 2.15 pm
    [Panel 2] The Evolution of Iranian Exilic Media: The Case of Iranian Television Programming in the US
    Location: MLK 104
    Reza Poudeh, Ph.D.
    This paper examines the political, cultural, ideological and aesthetical intricacies of the Iranian exilic TV programming through its technological evolution since the 1980s.
    1:00 pm - 2.15 pm
    [Panel 2] Black to Nature: Pastoral Return and African American Culture (Book Review)
    Location: MLK 104
    Peter Ntephe, PhD
    Dissects Critical Race Theory (“CRT”) which has become the cause célèbre in America’s culture wars on mainstreaming discourses of race, especially in schools.
    1.00 pm - 02.15 pm
    [Panel 2] Empower and Transform Your Future of Work: Navigating the Digital World with AI and Beyond
    Location: MLK 104
    Avva Thach
    Discover how AI can revolutionize your job searches, enhance your skills, and put your aspirational goals to the test.
    2:30 pm - 4.00 pm
    [Panel 3] Racial Representation in Targeted Ads: A Textual Analysis of P&G Widen the Screen Commercial
    Location: MLK 104
    Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Ph.D.; George N. Nzekwe; Ifeanyi E. Onyike, Ph.D.
    The purpose of this paper is to discuss how advertisements have been used to further promote racial stereotypes
    2:30 pm - 4.00 pm
    [Panel 3] Reviews and Revenue: The power of online reviews on organizational growth or demise
    Location: MLK 104
    Zantel Nichols, Ph.d., Texas Southern University
    This paper in-progress examines how Yelp reviews, The Keith Lee Effect, and other online media platforms influence customer traffic, public perception, and their impact to improve or ruin organizational growth.
    2:30pm - 4.00 pm
    [Panel 3] Art for Art’s Sake -The Great Field of Artistic Expression on Moving Pictures
    Location: MLK 104
    Dr. Chris Ulasi; Dr. Reza Poudeh; Prof. Don Okolo
    Panel discussion and presentation will prioritize Visual Tapestry, Visual Language, Forces of Visual Organization, and Visual Storytelling
    4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
    [Panel 4] Diversity and Culture in Media: Holistic Considerations
    Location: MLK 104
    Moderator: Christopher Jarmon, B.A.; Kingsley Idemudia, B.A.; Arthur Hypolite, B.A. Ambrya Holifield, B.A., Franscisco Campos, B.A.
    The intersection of diversity and culture within the realm of media is a multifaceted and critical topic. Media’s role in preserving cultural identity and promoting diversity is crucial. By understanding these dynamics, we can create a more inclusive and informed global society
    4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
    [Panel 5] Trends in the Entertainment Industry
    Location: MLK 104
    Moderator: Kingsley Idemudia, B.A.; Michelle Mower, B.A.; Chanicka Henry, BA; Christopher Jarmon, B.A.
    The entertainment industry is ever-evolving. This paper will explore the trends and provide a glimpse into its dynamic future. Whether it’s streaming, gaming, or cultural waves, the industry continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
    9.00 am - 10.50 am
    Alumni Panel
    Location: MLK 104
    The alumni panel is comprised of graduates from the School of Communication who will share professional reflections, stories, and advice.
    Moderator: Kimberly Taylor, SOC Student Services Coordinator
    Panelists: Paige Hubbard, Multimedia journalist, reporter and anchor, CW39 Houston; Ruben Dominguez, FOX26 entertainment reporter; Brandon Hamilton, Anchor/Reporter, ABC13 Houston; Stanley “Slikk Lowery” Smith, Music, Producer, Composer
    11.00 am - 12:50 pm
    Media Mixer
    Location: MLK 104
    Moderators: Koran “KC” Cooper, SOC Graduate Student and Briannah Dilworth, Miss School of Communication
    Special guests Jaleah Davis, John Davis & Kevin Scott ignite a conversation and answer questions regarding economic equity & opportunity for minorities in the entertainment and media industry.
    12.00 pm - 1:00 pm
    Diversity and Inclusion in Super Heroes Films: A Mixed method examination of Marvel’s “Eternals”
    Presenters: Emmanuel Nwachukwu; Maurice Mangum, and Daine Grou (Venue - TBD).
    Diversity and Inclusion in Super Heroes Films: A Mixed method examination of Marvel’s “Eternals”
    This study will help add to the understanding of diversity and inclusion in the movie industry and explore whether viewers are susceptible to persuasion/messages about inclusion in movies.
    1.00 pm - 3.50 pm
    Student Media Festival
    Location: MLK 104
    Facilitator: Professor Doris Childress
    5.00 pm - 07.00 pm
    Dean's Scholarship Awards and Banquet
    Location: Texas Southern University, Sterling Student Life Center, Tiger Room
    A celebration of people and organizations in media within the community.
    100
    skilled speakers
    1000
    Attendees
    600
    Students attendees
    50
    Workshops/Seminars
    Presenters
    Our Presenters
    Who's Presenting?

    Energetic speakers, entrepreneurs and innovators in the multimedia and communication industries

    Chris Ulasi

    [Professor & Interim Dean]
      Chris Chinwe Ulasi is a Professor of Radio, Television, and Film and Interim Dean of the School of Communication. He

    Nikki Duncan

    [Talent Development]
    Nikki Duncan, Ed. D. has over 25 years of experience within human resources, career services, and training and development.   Dr. Duncan

    S. Sandifer-Walker

    [Assistant Dean/ Professor]
    In the early 90s, I left the trenches of full-time reporting to take on a new challenge in the academic halls at Texas Southern

    Anthony Ogbo

    [Journalist/Professor]
    Currently, a Visiting Professor of Communication and Journalism at Texas Southern University, Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, joined the media
    arthur murray

    Art Murray

    [Journalist/Professor]
    An award winning, hard-working energetic journalist, producer and teacher with over twenty-eight years of experience managing and training a complete

    Avva Thach

    [Strategic Advisor]
    Avva Thach, born in Vietnam and now an American, brings a wealth of international experience to her role, shaping her understanding of

    Andrew McCray

    [Media Graphics Specialist]
    Andrew McCray is currently the Media Graphics Specialist/University Photographer at Texas Southern University.  He is a proud graduate of
    ted irving

    Ted Irving

    [Director, HTV-Houston Television]
    As the Director for Houston Television (HTV), I am a culture change agent and a mass media influencer with over 30
    kathleen mcelroy headshot

    Kathleen McElroy

    [Journalist/Professor]
    Kathleen McElroy is a professor in the School of Journalism and Media at The University of Texas at Austin. She
    ken okere

    Ken Okere

    [Journalist/Digital Media Specialist]
    TSU alumnus, Dr. Ken Ike Okere, is a Journalist, editor, corporate communications professional, and digital media specialist. Ike’s experience spans:
    ashley norwood

    Ashley F.G. Norwood

    [Assistant Professor/Award-Winning Journalist]
    Ashley F.G. Norwood is an assistant professor of Multimedia Journalism at Jackson State University. Norwood earned her Bachelors in English at

    Jaleah Davis

    [CEO of the Eyeconic Television Network]
    Houston’s very own Forbes 30 under 30, Jaleah Davis, is one of the youngest media moguls in the nation; she was recently pronounced as the youngest

    John “Toon” Davis

    [CEO of RealToonTV Productions & Entertainment LLC]
    He is the founder of RealToonTV, and one of the most influential independent media personalities in Texas. His YouTube platform has garnered over

    Kevin “Happy Bootz” Scott

    [CEO of 365 PR & Chief Communications Officer of Hyde Park Goods]
    A native Houstonian, Kevin has worked in PR in the entertainment industry and bolsters an impressive resume on the hip-hop scene. He has been making

    Stanley “Slikk Lowrey” Smith

    [Music Producer, Composer]
    Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska moved to Houston ,TX on track & field scholarship at Texas Southern Univ. where he received a degree in

    Latashia DeVeaux

    [PR and Communications Executive]
    Latashia DeVeaux, a seasoned PR and communications executive with 25 years of publicity, event marketing, and talent

    Chelsea Edwards

    [Reporter/Anchor]
    Chelsea Edwards is a fixture on Houston television screens and streaming devices. She’s been a reporter at Fox26 since

    Joy Sewing

    [Columnist]
    Joy Sewing is a veteran journalist with more than 25 years in the industry. In 2023, she became the Houston

    Karina Hollingsworth

    [Multimedia Journalist]
    Karina Hollingsworth is a multimedia journalist at KTXS News. Country living isn’t anything new to her. She was born in Dodson, La and

    Jose Griñán

    [Veteran Reporter & Anchor]
    Broadcast journalist José Griñán was born on July 24, 1952 in Tampa, Florida. His father was a native Cuban; his mother, a first
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    Sponsorship?

    Have you considered joining a list of major companies and organizations as sponsors of the SOC annual Comm Week? Besides a large audience, this event brings together, leading innovators in the media, music, and film industries.

    Platinum
    [Title Sponsor]

    $25,000+

    • Listed as a “Title Sponsor”
    • Speaking privilege
    • Listed on CommWeek Site
    • Free table of 8 @ Dinner
    • Book Back-Page Ad
    • Name/Logo on T-shirt
    Gold
    [Exclusive]

    $15,000 +

    • Listed as a “Partner”
    • Speaking privilege
    • Listed on CommWeek site
    • Free table of 4 @ Dinner
    • Book Inside Front Ad
    • Name/logo on T-shirt
    Gray
    [Premium]

    $10,000+

    • Listed as a “Sponsor”
    • Speaking privilege
    • Listing on CommWeek site
    • Free table for 2 @ Dinner
    • Book Inside Back Ad
    • Name/logo on T-shirt
    Maroon
    [Basic]

    $5,000+

    • Listed as “Supporter”
    • Sponsor recognition
    • Company logo listing
    • Free table for 1 @ Dinner
    • Book Classified Ad
    • Name/logo on T-shirt

    Thay Say
    [Testimonials]
    What People Say?
    News
    [Our Story]
    What's New?

    The SOC’s Comm Week blog shares news and information that are relevant to the multimedia and communication industries.